Have you ever heard of the “Three Unique Festivals of Japan”? These festivals are quite famous and attract many culture enthusiasts and tourists every year.
Although they take place at different times and locations, each one promises an extraordinary cultural experience. You can plan your trip accordingly.
In this article, we will explore and learn about three unique festivals in Japan. If you have the chance, you can witness them firsthand in this country.
1. Namahage Sedo Festival
The Namahage Sedo Festival is a traditional event held annually at Shinzan Shrine in Oga City, Akita Prefecture.
Specifically, it takes place on the second Saturday of February and the two surrounding days, lasting a total of three days.
This festival combines the Sedo Festival, which has been held at Shinzan Shrine for over 900 years, with the Namahage folk tradition and officially became an annual event in 1964.
In 2018, “Namahage of Oga” was even recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, attracting many domestic and international visitors.
Namahage is considered a deity or divine messenger that drives away evil spirits, disciplines misbehaving children, and prays for a good harvest and favorable weather.
Although their appearance may seem intimidating, Namahage is actually a deity with a “fierce face but a kind heart,” adding an element of mystery and excitement to the festival.
Festival Details
- Festival Name: なまはげ柴灯まつり / Namahage Sedo Festival
- Festival Date: February 7–9, 2025 (18:00–20:30)
- Festival Location: 〒010-0685 Akita Prefecture, Oga City, Kitaura Shinzan Mizukuisawa 97
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2. Yoshida Fire Festival
The Yoshida Fire Festival is one of Japan’s Three Unique Festivals and is also among the Ten Greatest Fire Festivals in the country.
Held annually on August 26 and 27 at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and Suwa Shrine in Yamanashi Prefecture, this festival is believed to have started over 400 years ago as a ritual to calm Mount Fuji’s volcanic activity.
The festival is dedicated to Konohana Sakuya Hime-no-Mikoto, the divine incarnation of Mount Fuji.
According to legend, she safely gave birth amidst blazing flames, which is considered one of the origins of this fire festival.
During the event, two mikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded through the town, symbolizing the end of the Mount Fuji climbing season and creating a rich historical and cultural atmosphere.
Festival Details
- Festival Name: 吉田の火祭り / Yoshida Fire Festival
- Festival Date:
- August 26, 2025 (14:30–22:00)
- August 27, 2025 (13:15–19:00)
- Festival Location: 〒403-0005 Yamanashi Prefecture, Fujiyoshida City, Kamiyoshida 5558
3. Kuroishi Temple Somin Festival
The Kuroishi Temple Somin Festival is one of the oldest traditional festivals in Japan, with a history of over 1,000 years.
Held every winter at Kuroishi Temple in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, it is also known as the “Naked Festival” because participants wear only fundoshi (traditional loincloths) while competing to seize the “Somin Bag.”
According to legend, the Somin Bag contains a charm that grants divine protection for an entire year to whoever successfully obtains it.
Unfortunately, due to population decline and the aging local community, the festival was held for the last time in 2024.
However, a similar festival, also known as one of Japan’s Three Unique Festivals—the Saidai-ji Eyo Festival in Okayama Prefecture—continues to be held annually on the third Saturday of February.
If you want to experience the excitement of this naked festival, you can visit the official Saidai-ji website.
Don’t Miss the Chance to Witness Unique Festivals in Japan!
Among the three festivals introduced today, which one do you most want to experience in person?
Is it the intense performances of the Namahage Sedo Festival? The deeply spiritual atmosphere of the Yoshida Fire Festival? Or the Kuroishi Temple Somin Festival, now only a part of history?
Whatever your choice, be sure not to miss the opportunity to witness these extraordinary cultural events live—before these unique festivals become part of the past, only remembered through documentaries and photographs.
